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| Our Church's History | |||
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A meeting was called by Rev. Johnson for the purpose of adopting Articles of Faith to clearly state the beliefs of the group in Palmdale desiring to establish a Baptist Church. The Pastor and members of the Board of Deacons of the Lancaster Church were present in an advisory capacity. Rev. Johnson requested Rev. Cravens to act as moderator of the meeting. Before accepting, Rev. Cravens gave a short talk concerning the progress which had been made since the work was started as a mission of the Lancaster Church and also concerning the business at hand. Following the distribution of copies of the proposed Articles of Faith, Brother Milon Whittier was elected to act as clerk for the meeting. The Articles of Faith were then read and discussed. After incorporating changes in Paragraphs VII and X, the Articles of Faith were adopted by voice vote. Rev. Cravens then spoke concerning plans to organize the Church. He emphasized the willingness of the First Baptist Church of Lancaster to see the Palmdale group organize independently with Rev. Johnson as its pastor, but since his resignation due to ill health, they would prefer that the Palmdale Church, even though it organizes and elects its own officers, continue to be affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Lancaster as a mission work of that Church. After considerable discussion of the merits pro and con, Rev. Johnson suggested that those present who desire to be members of the Palmdale Church give their names to the clerk, and then a secret ballot be taken, with each member indicating his preference in the matter. Seventeen of those present indicated their desire to be members of the Palmdale Church, with ten additional names being listed for those unable to be present, but who will be accepted as charter members upon their approval of the Articles of Faith. A secret ballot was cast, with the results being ten in favor of remaining affiliated with the Lancaster Church, and 7 against. Rev. Johnson suggested that a business meeting be held for the election of officers. Next Friday, May 6, was agreed upon for the meeting. Rev. Cravens suggested that Rev. Johnson appoint a committee to draw up a Constitution and make recommendations for officers prior to the business meeting. Brothers Love, Buckley, and Whittier were appointed to serve with Rev. Johnson on this committee. The meeting was closed with prayer. The following signified their desire to join the Church: Rev. H.E. Johnson Miss Phyllis Johnson Mrs. Ethel Evans Mrs. Ivon Coats Mrs. Mary June Love Mr. Edwin M. Love Bennie Len Coats Mary E. Nix Mr. David Bullock Miss Norma Bullock Mrs. L. Van Hoorebeke Mr. Kenneth Kratz Mrs. Kenneth Kratz Mr. James Love Mr. John Buckley Mr. Milon Whittier Mr. Clarence Bullock The following were not present but their names were listed by a member of their family: Mrs. H.E. Johnson Mrs. David Bullock Mr. David P. Nix Miss Shirley Bullock Mr. L. Van Hoorebeke Miss Bevalou Evans Mrs. Milon Whittier Mrs. Clarence Bullock Miss Patsy Coats Mr. Robert Riedl (Charter membership was closed June 30, 1949 with 28 members on the roll) |